Here are five things to know:
1. Security concerns involving the militias in the Congo have slowed Ebola containment efforts, and some patients refusing treatment have spread the virus to new areas, according to The New York Times. Local politicians have also exploited the public’s fear and confusion surrounding the outbreak ahead of December elections by people to distrust the national government’s response efforts.
2. These factors could “create a potential perfect storm,” Dr. Peter Salama, head of emergency response at the WHO, said during a media briefing in Geneva last week.
3. As of Sept. 28, there have been 155 confirmed or probable Ebola cases in the Congo. About 102 patients have died, and 45 have been cured and released. Outbreak response teams have vaccinated about 12,000 health workers and contacts of infected individuals.
4. While Ebola cases are decreasing with only about 10 identified a week, the WHO expressed concerned after a new case popped up in the town of Tshomia, which sits across a lake from Uganda. Since 2000, Uganda has experienced three Ebola outbreaks, totaling about 600 cases. The country is prepared to launch a vaccination campaign if the virus crosses the border.
5. The WHO said the risk of global Ebola transmission is still low.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Patients infected after worker replaced narcotic from syringes with water, New York hospital says
Wisconsin hospital improves patient safety after suspended nurse charged with abuse in NICU
Hospitals lead healthcare worker vaccinations, CDC says
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